Chiefs and Broncos Clash for AFC West Control in Sunday Showdown

Sixteen seasons. That is the number of years the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs have jointly controlled the AFC West. The Chiefs began this streak in 2010, followed by the Broncos from 2011 to 2015. The Chiefs then won nine consecutive division titles from 2016 to 2024. Denver reclaimed the title last season, and the pattern continues this year. Both teams have separated themselves from the Las Vegas Raiders and the winless Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chiefs enter Sunday’s game with a 5-1 record, while the Broncos are 5-2. Kansas City won their first meeting of the season in Week 1 by a score of 31-10. A second victory for the Chiefs would give them a one-and-a-half game lead in the division. It would also secure the head-to-head tiebreaker. A win for Denver would give the Broncos a half-game lead as the second half of the season begins.

Kansas City expects a close contest. Coach Andy Reid noted that kicker Harrison Butker’s technique is inconsistent. Butker missed two field goals in last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He has missed a total of 15 kicks since the start of last season. The Chiefs signed veteran kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad on Wednesday. Reid stated that Butker’s consistency is not what he wants, but the team expects him to perform.

The Chiefs rely heavily on running back Kenneth Walker III. He had 23 carries for 173 yards and a 60-yard touchdown in the Week 1 win. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes described Walker as a special player who makes big plays. The Chiefs are expecting the return of right tackle Jaylon Moore, who was on concussion protocol last week. Receiver Rashee Rice, who missed two games with a hamstring strain, is also expected to play. Tight end Travis Kelce has been the most reliable pass catcher for Mahomes in recent weeks.

Denver’s offense is led by quarterback Bo Nix. He threw for a career-high performance against the Arizona Cardinals, including a 62-yard touchdown run. That run is the longest scoring run by a quarterback in Broncos history. Despite that performance, Nix ranks 26th in quarterback rating and 30th in completion percentage over expectation. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is questionable for Sunday with a chest injury. If he sits, the offense will have to rely more on the ground game.

Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman is expected to receive more touches. He returned from an ankle injury against Arizona and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. His percentage of carries for at least 10 yards is currently the best among running backs with at least 15 attempts. Coach Sean Payton said he wants to get Coleman more touches. The Broncos’ secondary has been resilient despite injuries to Pat Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga. Surtain is expected to play if he clears practice, while Hufanga is a question mark.

The Chiefs’ pass rush has struggled to generate pressure since the opener. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones has only one half-sack this season. Edge rusher George Karlaftis has one sack. Rookie edge Mason Thomas also has one sack. The defense needs to pressure Nix more effectively than they did in Week 1. In that game, they forced two turnovers. The Chiefs have generated 10 takeaways this season. Controlling the tempo through defense and the running game is key for Kansas City.

The game is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS at Empower Field at Mile High. The outcome will determine which team holds the division lead after the midpoint of the season. The Chiefs have a difficult second-half schedule that includes the Bills, Rams, Bengals, 49ers, and Patriots. The Broncos’ schedule eases up after Sunday with games against the Raiders, Jets, Dolphins, and Chargers.